Items You Should Not Pack When Moving

We get asked all the time what should packed for the truck and what should be packed in the car or suitcase. This is a great question. Anyone who is moving should know what can, and cannot, go on the truck, as well as which items are best left in the care of the family.

There are some things that should not be packed because they are highly valuable or because they are not allowed on the moving truck. It’s best to make other arrangements for the transfer of certain negotiable items or articles of extraordinary value. Many people opt to take these items with them. If you decide to include such items in your shipment, be sure to list them on the High-Value Inventory form that will be provided by your United representative.

Cash

Deeds, wills or other valuable paper work

Documents pertaining to your move

Family photographs

Furs

Securities

Stamp or Coin Collections

Valuable Jewelry

Identification, such as a passport

There are other items that cannot be packed for safety or regulatory reasons. To guard against damage that can be caused by combustion, leakage or explosion, dispose of these items:

Aerosol cans

Ammunition

Batteries

Bleach

Chemicals, such as those for darkrooms

Chemistry sets

Cleaning fluids

Cologne and perfume

Fertilizers with ammonium nitrate

Fire extinguishers

Fireworks

Flammable goods

Flares

Food in glass jars

Frozen or refrigerated food

Furniture polish

Gasoline

Kerosene

Lighter fluid

Matches

Nail polish remover

Oil-based paints

Starter fuel

Tanks of compressed gas, such as for grills or diving. Empty scuba tanks with the valve removed may be transported.

If it absolutely essential to pack a liquid, such as a medical prescription, the lid or cap should be fastened tightly and taped shut. The container then should be placed in a tightly sealed bag.

Do not pack heat sensitive items if your shipment will be moved during the summer. This includes candles, computer disks, videotapes, DVD’s, Blue-Rays, CD’s, record albums and cassette tapes.

During hot weather, consider these options for heat-sensitive items: taking them with you as you travel to your new destination, selling or giving them away before moving, or sending them by air freight to reduce transit time.

Do you have any questions about what you can and cannot pack? Please leave them below and I will be sure to answer.